Liverpool's Alberto Moreno Plays Down Injury Concerns After Missing QPR Match

Liverpool star Alberto Moreno has played down rumours and fears about an injury to IBTimes UK after Brendan Rodgers left him out of the squad during the 3-2 Premier League victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 19 October.

The Liverpool manager opted to use Jose Enrique on the left-side of defence while summer signing Moreno did not even make the bench.

The Spaniard was also left out of the squad during the Euro 2015 play-off qualifier defeat against Serbia last week by Spain Under-21 manager Albert Celades.

Even though Celades confirmed Moreno was dropped for technical reasons, rumours about an injury have resurfaced after the defender missed the Premier League game.

That fears increased on 20 October when Swindon Town revealed Liverpool had recalled loanee Brad Smith after the promising start to his spell at the County Ground where he had made 10 appearances for the club.

While Liverpool are yet to comment on the Australian youngster's recall, Moreno told IBTimes UK he was fully fit and ready to start the crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday 22 October.

When questioned after the QPR game why Rodgers left him out of the squad, he said: "The manager told me he wanted me to rest [for the QPR game] but I am totally fit."

Moreno also suggested he will start the game against Real Madrid ahead of Enrique. "The manager told me he wanted me rested for the Real Madrid game. I hope to be in the starting line-up," he said.

"This is a special game. Every player and every fan wants to be involved in this games. I am looking forward to it. I hope that at Anfield and with the supporters' help Liverpool can improve [from the QPR game]."

The defender has make a positive impact at Anfield since his £12m summer move from Sevilla, becoming Rodgers' first-choice left-back ahead of Enrique.

But speaking about his rivalry with his compatriot, Moreno said: "I have a very good relationship with him.

"After the training session, I go with him and Javier Manquillo to have dinner with our families. We play Fifa together and we are good friends."